warden message

January 10, 2008

This is to inform American citizens visiting or resident in Ecuador that the US Embassy in Quito has received recent reports of increased sporadic activity at Tungurahua Volcano, approximately 140 kilometers south of Quito near Baños.  Since December 29th, 2007, increased seismic activity and more frequent emissions of ash and gas have been reported.  Geologists are monitoring the volcano closely.   Reports are available at http://www.igepn.edu.ec, under “volcanoes”.

Although the alert status has not changed, volcanic conditions can change rapidly.  Tungurahua erupted in 2006 causing significant damage, displacement, deaths, and injuries.  Ash from the eruption affected not just the immediate vicinity of the volcano but also closed the city of Baños. 

According to the Geophysical Institute, this recent activity is similar to that registered in 2006 before the eruptions in July and August of that year.  Falling volcanic ash has been reported in nearby towns in the last few days.  In addition, noises resembling explosions have been detected from all sectors near the volcano.  Some local populations are on alert to evacuate the area.

American citizens are advised to exercise caution in the area around Tungurahua Volcano. US Embassy Quito recommends verifying that roads and tourist facilities are open before traveling.  Since Ecuador is in a region of frequent volcanoes and earthquakes, Americans are advised to prepare accordingly, including keeping extra food, water and emergency kits in your homes, and considering purchasing dust masks and heavy gloves to protect hands during ash clean-up.

Americans living or traveling in Ecuador are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, https://travelregistration.state.gov, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Ecuador. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.  Please see the following links for local warden message information in Quito and Guayaquil, respectively, http://ecuador.usembassy.gov and http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov

The U.S. Embassy in Quito is located at the corner of Avenida 12 de Octubre and Avenida Patria (across from the Casa de la Cultura).  The telephone during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) is (011) 593 2 256 2890 X4561.  For after-hours emergencies use (011) 593 2 256 1749.  The fax is (011) 593 2 256 1-524.  Within the same city use the last seven digits.  Add the city code for intercity telephone calls.  See also the Embassy web site at http://ecuador.usembassy.gov.

The U.S. Consulate General in Guayaquil is located at the corner of 9 de Octubre and Garcia Moreno (near the Hotel Oro Verde); telephone (011-593-4) 232-3570 during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) or 232-1152 for after-hours emergencies; fax (011-593-4) 232-0904.  See the Consulate General web site at http://guayaquil.usconsulate.gov. 

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

This e-mail is UNCLASSIFIED based on the definitions provided in E.O. 12958